Self Centered People(Revelation 18.4-6)Page 247

"Then I heard another voice from Heaven say 'Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues, for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes. Give back to her as she has given, pay her back double for what she has done. Pour her a double portion from her own cup.'" (Revelation 18.4-6)✞

Roman Gold Coins

Merchants in the Roman empire grew rich by exploiting the desires of extremely self centered people. Some business people today are equally greedy and self centered. Businesses, governments and those who run them often tend to be based on greed, money, and power. Many aggressive individuals are tempted to take advantage of an evil system to enrich themselves. Christians are warned to stay free from the lure of money, status, and the good life which in the end brings ruin. Jeremiah 51.45 issues a similar warning to that in this Revelation passage, "Come out of her, my people! Run for your lives! Run from the fierce anger of the Lord."✞

Self Centered People

On the contrary, Christians are called upon to live according to the values Christ exemplified, that is of service, giving, self-sacrifice, obedience, and truth. It is a tough standard to achieve. In an age of fake news, politicians, business leaders even church officials feel comfortable telling half truths and lies to achieve their ends. The people of Babylon had also lived self centered lives in luxury and pleasure. The city foolishly boasted, "I sit as queen. I am not a widow, and I will never mourn." The powerful, wealthy people of this world are prone to this same arrogant attitude.✞

Advance God's Kingdom

Those who are financially comfortable often feel secure, and in control, seeing no need for God or anyone else. This kind of attitude defies God. His judgment against them is harsh. We are told to avoid Babylon's sins. If you are financially secure, don't become complacent and deluded by the myth of self-sufficiency. Use your resources and be generous to help others and advance God's kingdom as much as you possibly can.✞